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The cities hiding beneath the earth's surface...
The Seeker:
Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland
One of the most visited tourist attractions in Poland, the Wielicska Salt Mine first opened in the 13th century, making it one of the world's oldest. Once down in the mine, you'll find dozens of statues, as well as four chapels all made entirely out of salt by the miners.
Coober Pedy, Australia
Coober Pedy, a town situated in South of Australia, is best known as the Opal Capital of the World. But what's even more impressive about it is that the local population of 1,500 move their life underground to escape the daily heat. The town's old mines have been refurbished and now feature everything locals need during the day, like shops, kitchens, bookstores and even two churches, one of which a Serbian Orthodox Church.
Edinburgh Vaults, Scotland
The Edinburgh Vaults - or South Bridge Vaults - are a series of chambers that were used as storage space for illicit material in the 1700s, including - according to local lore - the bodies of the victims of serial killers Burke and Hare, who used them for medical experiments. Many people and paranormal investigators claim that they have encountered ghostly beings in the tunnels, most notably the ghost of a man with no face who gives off an evil presence.
from hidden cities
The Seeker:
Dixia Cheng, China
This huge underground shelter, known as the Underground City, was built in Beijing for fear of a Soviet nuclear attack. The shelter was made up of a sprawling network of tunnels and facilities such as movie theaters, schools, shops and warehouses. Between 2000 and 2008, it opened to foreign tourists only after years of disuse. Since then the site has been closed for renovations.
Derinkuyu, Turkey
The region of Cappadocia in Turkey alone is home to more than 200 underground cities. The city of Derinkuyu, first built in 7th century BC, is the largest of them all. With its 13 levels and depth of 85 meters (278 feet), it has the capacity to shelter at least 20,000 people.
Underground Montreal, Canada
Built in the 60s, this is the largest underground complex in the world. A good 30 km (18 miles) of tunnels connect residences, shopping centers and even universities. Not a bad way to deal with Montreal's heavy snowfall.
The Seeker:
Underground City of Naours, France
The Romans were the first people believed to have started digging this underground city back in the 3rd century. Since then locals have continued to dig out the caves and grottos. It proved invaluable during the World Wars as a place of safety and today its galleries, rooms and stables are open to the public, along with engravings dating from as early as 1340.
Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno, California, US
It is impressive what an Italian would do to feel at home. This underground paradise was built by Sicilian immigrant Baldasare Forestiere over a period of 40 years from 1906 to 1946. The house is spread over three levels with a fruit-producing garden, a fish pond, and summer and winter rooms.
Subterranean city of Kish, Iran
Also called Kariz, this massive underground city covering 10 000m² (nearly 108,000 square feet) was constructed from an old aqueduct and cut into the coral. The place is said to have been built some 2500 years ago by the inhabitants of the Hariteh city. Today, a visit to this hidden gem can be combined with a stroll through a modern shopping center with restaurants and museums.
Underground Atlanta, Georgia
This city beneath the city was first constructed between 1866 and 1871 to accommodate the increasing population of Atlanta at the time. It wasn't until 1969 that the place was rediscovered and turned into what we call today Underground Atlanta. These six city blocks, 12 acres and three levels of shops, restaurants and entertainment now make for one of the liveliest and hippest places in Atlanta.
The Seeker:
The article about Underground Atlanta isn't accurate; underground didn't really start being a well known place until around '69; my great grandfather, a greek immigrant, had both a hat shop and a restaurant in underground for many years until his death in the late 60's
8)
Seeker
The Seeker:
Another place of interest for it's forgotten and then accidentally re-discovered underground city is Seattle Washington; over the years as they built they raised the street level until the original areas were forgotten until stumbled upon by sewer workers in the mid 70's...
An episode of "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" (starring Darren McGavin) was about that event.
8)
Seeker
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